Sunrise Energy Co., Ltd.
Sunrise Energy Co., Ltd.

Classification and Application of Standalone Solar PV System

In the current era of pursuing green energy and self-sufficiency, standalone solar PV systems are gradually becoming the preferred choice for remote areas and specific application scenarios as an efficient and environmentally-friendly energy solution. This article will delve into the classifications and extensive applications of standalone solar PV systems, showcasing their unique value in solving electricity shortage issues and promoting sustainable development.


Detailed Classification of Standalone Solar PV System


Standalone solar PV systems, also known as off-grid photovoltaic systems, are power generation systems independent of the public grid. They mainly consist of solar panels, controllers, and batteries. For AC load power supplies, an AC inverter is also required. Based on the form of electrical energy, standalone solar PV systems can be divided into two main categories: DC photovoltaic systems and AC photovoltaic systems.


DC Photovoltaic Systems


  • DC Photovoltaic Systems without Batteries: These systems directly connect solar panels to DC loads. They generate power and supply loads directly when the sunlight is sufficient and stop when there is no sunlight. The advantage is that the system eliminates the energy loss from controllers and batteries, thereby improving solar energy utilization efficiency. A typical application is the solar photovoltaic water pump, which achieves efficient and direct energy conversion.


  • DC Photovoltaic Systems with Batteries: This system uses a charge-discharge controller to convert solar energy into electrical energy, supplying the load and storing the rest in the battery, ensuring continuous power supply at night or during cloudy days. Its applications are extensive, from solar lawn lights and garden lights to telecommunications base stations in remote areas and rural power supply in underserved regions, demonstrating strong adaptability and reliability.


AC Photovoltaic Systems


  • Hybrid AC/DC Photovoltaic Systems: This system converts DC power into AC power via an AC inverter to meet AC load demands. Hybrid AC/DC systems combine the advantages of both, flexibly responding to different types of loads, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the system.


  • Grid-Supplemented Photovoltaic Systems: This system ingeniously combines solar photovoltaic power generation with conventional grid power. It primarily uses solar energy with the grid as a supplement, reducing system investment while ensuring continuous and stable power supply. In sunny weather, solar energy is prioritized, and on cloudy days, the system automatically switches to grid power, making it an ideal transitional choice for promoting solar photovoltaic power generation.


Extensive Applications of Standalone Solar PV System


Standalone photovoltaic power stations, as an important application form of standalone solar PV systems, play a crucial role in regions with good sunlight conditions and large load demands, such as power-deficient villages and islands. These power stations usually consist of photovoltaic panel arrays, battery packs, inverters, and power distribution and transmission systems, forming a complete self-sufficient energy system.


During the day, photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, not only charging the battery but also directly driving photovoltaic water pumps, processing machinery, and other equipment for operations such as water pumping, storage, and processing. At night or during peak electricity demand periods, the battery discharges through the inverter to provide stable power for loads. In designing standalone power stations, it is crucial to plan the use of the battery properly, especially for situations with high electricity consumption at night or heavy motor loads, ensuring continuous and stable power supply.


In summary, standalone solar PV systems, with their unique classifications and extensive application scenarios, provide strong support for solving electricity shortages in remote areas and promoting green energy development. With continuous technological advancements and further cost reductions, standalone solar PV systems will demonstrate their unlimited potential in more fields, contributing to a clean, low-carbon, and sustainable energy future.